Seeing beyond - future of medical technology

For more than 100 years, ZEISS medical technology has been driving progress in ophthalmology and microsurgery. In ophthalmology, our solutions help to maintain and improve people's vision at every stage of their lives. In microsurgery, our solutions enable targeted interventions on diseased tissue so that small and sensitive organs continue to function optimally.

Medical technology from ZEISS supports medical professionals in improving the lives of patients worldwide. The fact that our actions have a direct impact on people's well-being is what drives us every day.

As an Executive Assistant (m/f/x) to the Head of Ophthalmic Business (OPT), you will act as a trusted advisor, integrator and execution partner. You will work closely with the Executive Board, Segment Heads and MED Leadership Team to drive strategic priorities, strengthen leadership effectiveness, coordinate critical business processes and ensure execution of key initiatives across functions, regions and organizational levels. In this role, you will serve as an extension of the Head of OPT, enabling effective decision-making, organizational alignment and sustainable business performance.

Your Role

• Provide structured and data-driven recommendations to support executive decision-making and identify emerging risks, opportunities and strategic priorities
• Independently initiate and lead strategic, cross-functional projects from concept to implementation and ensure sustainable anchoring of ownership within the organization
• Orchestrate the OPT Leadership Team operating model, including agenda setting, decision preparation, action tracking and leadership offsite facilitation
• Partner with business and functional leaders to identify business challenges, risks, opportunities and external trends impacting business performance and strategy execution
• Collaborate across functions, regions and business segments on high-impact initiatives to ensure alignment, transparency and consistent execution of strategic priorities
• Coordinate key business governance processes, including Business Reviews, M1 reviews, strategy cycles, executive reporting and performance management routines
• Facilitate alignment and decision-making processes across senior leadership teams and key stakeholders
• Drive operational excellence through effective management cadences, disciplined follow-up, performance transparency and accountability
• Build and maintain a strong network across all organizational levels to identify issues early, remove barriers, drive alignment and serve as an effective extension of the Head of OPT
• Prepare executive briefings, decision materials, keynote content, customer visit briefings and other leadership communications

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in business administration, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine or a related field
• Significant professional experience in strategy, business development, executive office, consulting, program management or a comparable leadership-facing role
• Experience in top-tier management consulting is considered an advantage
• Strong understanding of the ophthalmology business, medical technology industry and complex global organizations
• Deep understanding of the OPT business model, portfolio and organizational landscape is highly desirable
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive outcomes without formal authority
• Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives across functions, regions and organizational levels
• Strong business acumen and the ability to quickly understand financial performance, business models, market dynamics and strategic implications
• Ability to influence and drive change in a multicultural and cross-functional environment
• Strong communication, problem-solving and executive stakeholder management skills
• High bias for action, strong ownership mindset and ability to navigate ambiguous environments with limited direction
• Ability to manage multiple parallel priorities while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail
• Business proficiency in English (must have)
• Willingness to travel globally

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Galina Elsenhans